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Hattiesburg woman is Saintsational

Emily Ham Price
7:21 p.m. CDT July 13, 2014

Kriste Lewis, a member of the 2014-15 Saintsations team, leads a dance fitness class Friday morning in Hattiesburg. Lewis, 40, was diagnosed with a kidney disease 14 years ago and stays active by dancing.(Photo: Kelly Price/Hattiesburg American)

A passion for dancing and a desire to celebrate her 40th birthday in a monumental way were two things that led Kriste Lewis to the New Orleans Saints’ practice facility for a life-changing experience.

Standing before a panel of judges, Lewis combated her nerves by remembering her husband’s motto — “focus and fun” — as she tried out for the New Orleans Saintsations in April.

After six months of dance, fitness training and the love and support of her family and friends, Lewis said she prepared herself to mark a life experience off her bucket list.

“For me, trying out for the Saintsations was something I always wanted to do,” she said. “It was on my bucket list. I grew up on the Coast and was a Saints fan all my life. … I went into (the tryout) with the idea that the audition would be a celebration.”

“When she needed to blend with the others, she did, and when she needed to stand out, she did,” Fitzmorris said. “For example, the first audition was a dance audition. None of the judges knew her age and judged her strictly on her presentation and dance ability. The second phase of the audition process was the professional interview. It was during this phase that Kriste stood out. In the final selection process, it was a unanimous decision to put her on the team.”

Lewis, a dance fitness instructor and mother of two, said she never expected to be reacquainted with a part of herself she’d lost when she began training to try out for the NFL cheerleading team.

“I had honestly forgotten how much I loved to dance,” she said. “When you’re an instructor and you’re in that situation, you’re really dancing for who is in your class. You’re leading them in exercise. It’s not just for you. … I told my husband, ‘Please remind me after this audition to not stop dancing.’ ”

Lewis doesn’t just dance now because she loves it — it helps maintain her health.

Lewis, whose family has a history of kidney issues, was diagnosed with kidney disease 14 years ago.

After watching her mother’s body reject a transplanted kidney twice, Lewis said she made the decision to live a healthy lifestyle as well as make the most of each day.

“Today is the day, not tomorrow,” she said. “Wear your best shoes. Don’t save that bottle of wine. Why are you hoarding that from yourself? … I know there is no cure for (my kidney disease,) and I know that I will be on dialysis and in need of a transplant, but I could be killed in a car wreck tomorrow. … I think too many times we wait too late to start on our bucket lists. Start it while you feel good and can enjoy it.”

Fitzmorris said after surviving bacterial meningitis, she understands Lewis’ “time is precious” outlook and said she believes Lewis’ story will inspire a wide range of people.

“I know that she will inspire others to overcome adversity, never give up and send the message to go for your dreams and anything is possible,” she said. “This message should serve as a reminder to everyone that you only live once, so start checking off your life’s bucket list.”

As one of the 36 talented women who make up the upcoming season’s Saintsations team, Lewis said she’s had a fantastic time getting to know each of her teammates.

“It’s a family,” Lewis said. “It’s like I have 35 little sisters. They are such sweet girls. … All of the girls are so intelligent, and they are so kind and well-rounded.”

Fitzmorris said with Lewis’ background and life experience, she wasn’t sure how this year’s team would relate to one another.

“At our first meeting, it was immediately apparent that everyone on the team had respect for each other and appreciated the different perspectives and the team’s diversity,” she said.

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Having spent time as an English teacher, dance instructor and stay-at-home mother, Lewis said she hopes her personal story shows the world that a woman can be anything she aspires to be at any age.

“It goes back to a definition of what a 40-year-old woman could be or should be, and they forget that you can be beautiful and smart,” she said. “Just because you don’t work doesn’t mean you can’t be a doctor or lawyer. I think my generation especially is redefining (that image.)”

Lewis’ mission to redefine what a woman is and can be falls in line with the Saintsation’s mission to reach out to the community and young girls.

“Our program encompasses more than just dance and cheer,” she said.

“My emphasis is team building and teaching young women how to represent in a positive manner. We do a lot of community work and work with children. We understand that we serve as role models for young girls.”

As the Saintsations begin their community involvement and as football season approaches, Lewis said she is getting more excited to cheer for her favorite team.

She said she fully intends to soak up all the wonderful experiences this year has to offer and is looking forward to trying out again in the years to come.

“I can’t even fathom what it’s going to be like to walk out on that field in the Superdome with all those Saints fans,” she said.

“I hope I don’t pass out. … If I died tomorrow, I’m good. I’m a happy girl. It’s been a blast.”